Mohini Hameed

Mohini Hameed (Urdu: موہنی حمید; 1922 - 16 May 2009, Seattle, Washington) better known as Apa Shamim or Shamim Apa, was first Pakistani radio broadcaster, anchor and actress.^[1] On 14 August 1947, when Pakistan gained independence, Mohini became the first woman broadcaster of Pakistan.^[2] In May 2009 when she died, Lahore studio of Radio Pakistan was renamed ‘Mohini Hameed Studio’.^[3] She was the mother of journalist Kanwal Naseer.^[3]

Mohini (born Mohini Das) was born in 1922 in Batala of British India.^[3]

Mohini joined All-India Radio Lahore in 1939 at the age of 17.^[3] Soon Mohini became a major female Urdu-language voice. She voiced almost every major radio play, or special announcement during her time at All-India Radio Lahore. When Pakistan gained freedom from the British, Mohini opted for Pakistan as her home. Mohini Hameed worked at Radio Pakistan for 35 years.^[4]

In 1954, Mohini Das married and became Mohini Hameed. Mohini Hameed died on 16 May 2009 in Seattle, Washington.^[5][3][1][4]

Mohini Hameed was awarded numerous national awards, including:

• In 1965, she received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Fourth-highest civilian award of Pakistan^[3]
• In 1998, she was again awarded ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz^[3]
• In 1999, she was given ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation^[3]